Alabama

Motivational speakers... and other stuff!

Two-a-days are finally here... Today was the first, then there is one Friday and again Monday and again Wednesday. So, what did we learn today?

Speakers!

Glad you asked:

*****As has been Alabama coach Nick Saban's custom, his players have been visited by speakers on almost a nightly basis.

One night it was motivational speaker Kevin Elko, who teaches human performance and preaches nerves of steel. Another night, it was Lisa LeMaster, who advises on media relations. Another night, it was Gene Washington, the NFL's director of football operations and a Tuscaloosa native.

"It is another indication of how we try and educate our guys to make good choices and decisions," coach Nick Saban said, "so they have a chance to be more successful."

Players said all the speakers were helpful, but they saved their loudest praise for Elko.

"He was phenomenal," tight end Preston Dial said. "Talked about toughness, what it takes to get to the next level, what it takes to control yourself mentally."

Cornerback Javier Arenas described Elko as "a motivational speaker mixed with a comedian." But he said the talks helped on the field.

"He wants confidence, no matter what," Arenas said. "Like, if we call the wrong coverage, as long as we're confident in it and all play it - even if it's wrong - there will be no big plays."

*****Alabama took part in its first two-a-day practice Wednesday, with a 9:30 a.m. practice in full pads being followed by a 7:30 p.m. practice in shells. It was another sign that slowly, the season is getting closer.

"We're ready for the season to start," running back Glen Coffee said. "So, to get back in the groove in the pads, just hitting and the timing of all the plays, it's pretty good."

*****Coffee's little brother is a high school football player. Yet when Matt Coffee, the four-star athlete, committed to South Carolina, he didn't exactly rely on the advice of his older brother.

"I remember talking to him on the phone, like, 'Don't commit early,' and the next day, he committed," Coffee said, smiling. "But I'm happy he got offers. I'm happy my mom doesn't have to pay for college."

*****After two days working as a defensive back, Demetrius Goode is receiving positive reviews. The former running back has "great natural instincts," Arenas said. "He's an athlete. He can play a lot of places."

*****Former Alabama receiver Tyrone Prothro, a fan favorite who badly broke his leg during the 2005 season, is taking part in Saturday's graduation. He joins quarterback John Parker Wilson and safety Rashad Johnson, who will also be graduating.

*****In general, Saban is pleased with the play of his tight ends, Nick Walker and Travis McCall. Walker is an athletic pass receiver, while McCall is the superior blocker. But eventually, Saban said, he'd like to have a player who can do it all, while creating a mismatch situation for a defensive back.

"Like Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzalez," said Saban, naming two NFL All-pros. "Hopefully, we can get someone like that here or get one of our guys to play like that."